Call for Iraqi Prime Minister to investigate the killings of journalists

International Media Support and other international press freedom organisations call upon the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Adil Abdul-Mahdi, and the Council of Representatives to secure the investigation of the killings of Iraqi journalists Ahmed Abdul Samad and Safaa Ghali in Basra and hold those behind the crime accountable.

Outcry from the journalistic communityOn 10 January, after a day of demonstrations in Basra, the journalists Ahmed Abdul Samad and Safaa Ghali were shot dead in their car. Both journalists worked for Dijlah TV and had been reporting on the protests and the repressive ways in which security forces had dealt with demonstrators. The killings sparked widespread outcry from the Iraqi journalistic community. The Minister of Interior of Iraq held a crisis meeting to discuss the killings and ordered the special investigative unit dealing with crimes against journalists to dispatch an investigation team to Basra. According to the local police they have evidence that might lead to the perpetrator(s). With this evidence they maintain hope that the criminals will be found.

Justice for journalists These recent targeted killings of journalists show the deteriorating safety situation for those reporting on the recent social protests in Iraq. Now, it is of utmost importance that impunity will not prevail. The Iraqi government must guarantee that the investigation is thorough, transparent and results in justice for both Ahmed Abdul Samad and Safaa Ghali. The Iraqi government has a clear opportunity to show its commitment to fighting violence against journalists in Iraq by achieving justice for the slain journalists.